Most rashes are harmless and go away on their own.
A skin rash associated with fever is most often due to a viral infection. This occurs along with
other symptoms such as runny nose and cough.
The rash can vary in shape and size, usually appearing as blotchy red spots commonly
affecting most of the body. These rashes are called ‘non-specific’, which means that it is
hard to say which specific virus is the cause.
Is pale, blue, mottled or feels unusually cold to touch
Difficult to wake up, very sleepy or confused
Weak, high-pitched cry or can’t be settled
Has a fit (seizure)
Is under 3 months old with temperature more than 38°C or under 36°C (unless fever in the 48 hours following vaccinations and no other red features)
You need urgent help.
Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999
If your child has any of the following:
Painful rash
Blistering rash unless recent contact with chicken pox
Develops red lips or a red tongue
Develops a lot of skin peeling
Has had chickenpox in the past few days and is now getting more unwell
Breathing a bit faster than normal or working a bit harder to breathe
Dry skin, lips or tongue
Not had a wee or wet nappy in last 8 hours
Poor feeding in babies (less than half of their usual amount)
Irritable (Unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or hugs even after their fever has come down)
Is 3-6 months old with temperature 39°C or above (unless fever in the 48 hours following vaccinations and no other red or amber features)
Temperature of 38oC or above for more than 5 days or shivering with fever(rigors)
Temperature less than 36°C in those over 3 months
Getting worse or you are worried about them
You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.
Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111
If symptoms persist for 4 hours or more and you have not been able to speak to either a member of staff from your GP practice or to NHS 111 staff, recheck that your child has not developed any red features
If none of the above features are present:
Most children with fever and rash can be safely managed at home
Watch them closely for any change and look out for any red or amber symptoms
If your child has a long term condition or disability and you are worried please contact your regular team or follow any plans that they have given you.
If you think that this is a worsening of your child’s eczema, please look at the eczema page or contact your GP or practice nurse
Self care
Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111 – dial 111
This guidance has been reviewed and adapted by healthcare professionals across North East and North Cumbria with consent from the Hampshire development groups.
Choose appropriate sized spacer with mask (or mouthpiece if child is over 3 years with good technique and is not significantly short of breath).
Shake the inhaler well and remove cap.
Fit the inhaler into the opening at the end of the spacer.
Place mask over the child’s face or mouthpiece in their mouth ensuring a good seal
Press the inhaler once and allow the child to take 5 slow breaths between each dose or count to 10
Remove the inhaler and shake between every puff. Wait 1 minute between puffs.
Repeat steps 1 – 5 for subsequent doses
Plastic spacers should be washed before 1st use and every month as per manufacturer’s guidelines
